The shock closure of the GP out-of-hours service at Perth Royal Infirmary is likely to become permanent, MSP Murdo Fraser has warned.
The withdrawal of cover overnight and at weekends for people with minor injuries and illnesses was made last week as a temporary measure due to staffing shortages, but Mr Fraser understands it is “unlikely to be reinstated in its previous form”.
Mr Fraser met senior executives from NHS Tayside and raised concerns that this would mean some patients would need to travel to Dundee. He also discussed the increased pressure this would put on A&E at PRI and the ambulance service.
NHS Tayside advised him that they are working on a new model of out-of-hours care which involves a car-based GP service centred in Dundee being developed to fill the gap, he said.
“I am well aware of the substantial concerns both in the city of Perth and across the county at the loss of the out-of-hours service at PRI,” he said.
“As a Perth resident, and as the parent of young children, I know from personal experience just how important this local provision is.
“There is a concern that people from Perth now have to travel to Dundee at night or at the weekend for out-of-hours GP services. For those living north and west of Perth, this will involve substantial journeys.
“I have made it clear that I believe the existing service needs to be reinstated.
“From what NHS Tayside have told me, it appears there are no plans to reinstate the out-of-hours provisions that existed previously, but replace it with a Dundee-based service with GPs in cars.
“While I understand the pressure that the health service is under … I am not convinced that this alternative model will meet the needs of Perthshire residents.”
An NHS spokesman said the new service would operate on an interim basis for a three-month period.
Operating out of Kings Cross in Dundee with staff in cars deployed into each locality, the model would allow patients to attend the centre in Dundee, to be seen locally where possible with home visits where required, they said, and assistance with travel would be provided where required.
As to whether the former system will be reintroduced after three months, the spokesman said: “In line with the national review of out-of-hours we will be seeking to review our own arrangements to put in place a sustainable model.”